Middle East
Stretching from the Western Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean, the Middle East continues to be a region struggling with violent conflict, political repression, and poor development. Numerous pro-democracy protest movements, a burgeoning youth population, and efforts to reform governments and lessen economic dependence on oil, however, are causes for optimism. The United States and the international community must remain engaged with the region to provide support for these positive moves and to address the many remaining challenges.
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The latest pieces from MENASource:
MENASource
Oct 21, 2026
The withdrawal of the US-led coalition is a loss for Iraq’s sovereignty
By
Yerevan Saeed
The government secured the withdrawal of foreign partners before securing obedience from armed factions. That leaves Baghdad with less leverage against Iran’s allies in Iraq.
MENASource
Oct 16, 2026
Iraq’s militias are adjusting for a new era, not going away
By
Hamdi Malik
While signaling restraint, the militias are carving room to consolidate their position and shape the terms of Iraq’s next security order.
MENASource
Oct 8, 2026
Israel and Turkey are not natural rivals. It’s time to stop treating them that way.
By
Alissa Pavia
The West should find ways of managing rather than entrenching both countries further into this competition.
Related program
Through our Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East, the Atlantic Council works with allies and partners in Europe and the wider Middle East to protect US interests, build peace and security, and unlock the human potential of the region.
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Experts
Executive Leadership Intensive participant
Omer Niazi
President and Founder, Council on International Law Order and Security (CILOS)